Despite Offseason Criticism, Jon Daniels Building Texas Rangers the Right Way

It's no secret the Texas Rangers took a minor public relations hit this past offseason amidst a winter of inactivity that saw exactly zero big-money free agents sign on the dotted line to play in Arlington.

Media and fans questioned Rangers general manager Jon Daniels for standing pat. After three straight postseason berths - two of which culminated in World Series appearances - fans took a glance at the Rangers' financial flexibility and wanted to reel in a big fish to take the next step and win it all. The mind of the modern-day fan is programmed to think like a Twitter news feed. Give me that instant news, and give me it now.

Daniels did the exact opposite. And the Rangers, tied for the most wins in baseball at 16-7 after one month in 2013, are actually better off as a result of his prudent approach.

Consider the following developments over the past two offseasons:

• Pass on free agent Zack Greinke (age 29, six years, $147 million with Dodgers)
• Pass on re-signing Josh Hamilton (age 31, five years, $125 million with Angels)
• Pass on re-signing C.J. Wilson (age 31, five years, $77.5 million with Angels)

One of my LinkedIn connections and a fellow Rangers fan, Julie Gallagher-Gough, pointed out a pattern when it comes to the Rangers locking up players long-term. Consider these Rangers who currently have long-term deals (ages reflect how old they were at the time of signing):

• Elvis Andrus (age 24, eight years, $120 million in 2013)
• Yu Darvish (age 25, six years, $111 million [including posting fee] in 2012)
• Derek Holland (age 25, five years, $28.5 million in 2012)
• Matt Harrison (age 27, five years, $55 million in 2013)
• Ian Kinsler (age 29, five years, $75 million in 2012)

Notice a pattern? All are young and in the prime of their careers. The same can't be said about the players Daniels passed on this past offseason, a list that also included Kyle Lohse (age 34). No thanks. Not for long-term deals. Daniels is smarter than that.

Adrian Beltre (six years, $96 million in 2011 at age 31) is the lone player with a long-term contract signed after turning 30, but Beltre reached his prime considerably later in his career. Plus, he's an elite defensive third baseman, which is the primary reason Daniels offered such a deal.

Consider the length of contract for Rangers players in the twilight of their careers:

• A.J. Pierzynski (age 35, one year, $7.5 million in 2013)
• Lance Berkman (age 36, one year, $10 million in 2013)

No long-term deals for players in their 30s. The Rangers have financial flexibility and a farm system that makes other clubs envious. Why? Daniels has been smart.

I read so many fan comments before the season that predicted doom and gloom for a team that stood pat in the offseason. They didn't realize Daniels wasn't standing pat. Daniels simply wasn't overpaying for players past their prime and jeopardizing the financial flexibility that brought this team to where it is today - with the best record in the American League.

Daniels is one of the smartest GM's in the game when it comes to roster construction. Perhaps with a fourth straight playoff berth this season, more fans will come to realize it.